Montreal Canadiens: Trade Deadline Power Rankings

Unlike Anderson, I think there is a clear desire to move Joel Armia for Kent Hughes. The issue lies in his hefty contract, which pays him $3.4 Million for this season and next. Since Armia signed this contract in the 2021 off-season, he has not come close to living up to that salary. And any team who might have an interest in the player wants nothing to do with the salary attached to it.
It’s a shame, too, because I actually think Armia is a serviceable 4th liner, capable of killing penalties, giving you 20 points in a season and adding some physicality to your lineup. But that’s not worth $3.4 Million, no matter how much you value the fourth line.

If an offer comes along for Armia, specifically one in which the Habs don’t need to add additional compensation to move him, he’s almost surely gone. The question is, will that offer come? I’d say it’s unlikely, but some teams who just want to reach the cap floor while icing a bad roster might take a chance on him. Looking at you, Chicago and San Jose.

I’d pencil this one in as unlikely but possible. I’m certain the Canadiens are not just open to moving Armia but wanting to. The Habs have enough draft capital as it is to use that as an incentive if they really wanted to move him, but I don’t think we’ve reached that point yet.